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Game 31 Recap: Cubs 8, Padres 7

Not often does a laugher turn into a nailbiter as quickly as it did on Tuesday night. The Cubs had five-run leads twice in this game; twice, though, the Padres’ lineup removed their sheep’s clothing and revealed their, well, not-quite wolf-ish hitting, but something more than their “hitless wonder” reputation suggests. Luckily, the Cubs have […]

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Two Go, We Go: Could Dexter Fowler Better Serve the Cubs Batting Second?

Joe Maddon’s quippy, screen print-friendly words of advice and encouragement to his players can be a bit tedious at times. “Try Not to Suck” is a winner. “Respect 90″ is basic, but strong. “Do Simple Better” and “The Process is Fearless” encapsulate these Cubs so wonderfully, one can excuse the fact that they’re inherited Maddonisms, […]

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Pitching Progress: An Effort in Finding Incremental Gains, Vol. V

The month of April finished with Joe Maddon deviating from the standard rotation for the first time, coming as a result of inclement weather and a preference for starting Kyle Hendricks against the Nationals instead of the Pirates. Cubs’ pitchers faced unusually tough weather for the end of April, with cold temperatures and strong winds creating […]